A Secluded Desert Oasis

Dove Mountain with it's serene beauty and sophistication will forever be etched upon our hearts as transcendent. Our life journey had taken a difficult and unexpected turn. My father was on hospice and died in our home, just eight months after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, Glioblastoma Multiforme. Both our grown children just left home to begin their own lives, empty nest syndrome hit us hard, and my husband lost his job unexpectedly after 18 years of dedicated service. We needed a utopia moment in time. Oh how I remember my thoughts and emotions as we drove toward Dove Mountain. With a quiet and restless anticipation, my hearts yearning was for a calm, in the eye of our storm. This was our first time at Dove Mountain and all we wanted was a peaceful romantic week together.

The tranquil pool with inescapable service was such a calming luxury. At Turquesa, the poolside restaurant, we enjoyed a delicious gourmet Spanish vegetarian cuisine by their amazing chef. The towel service, suntan lotion, ice water, ice cold wash clothes to cool your face along with free samples of fruit drinks and snacks added an extra touch. The simple yet superb poolside service made our afternoons fun, refreshing and sublime. We enjoyed the water slide too.

Each morning we experienced the breathtaking views of Dove Mountain on the different hiking trails. Surrounded by the Southwest desert terrain, and the Tortolita mountains we we were basking in the enchanting views. The quietude gave us time to reflect and confirm that life is not about us, but about the Giver, The God of Creation. He takes care of all our needs, through good times and bad times. We were able to praise God for all the good things He had provided in the past, so now we must accept the difficult times that come our way too. In this lush desert retreat, we experienced God's peace even in the midst of our trial and great loss. This was deeply therapeutic for both of us.

Even In the midst of thorns, glimpses of color and beauty was unmistakable! Nature was revealing to us precisely what we were experiencing, intense sorrow in our heart's, yet hope was in bloom. Peace, beauty and restoration, just what we needed to endure life's untimely blows that were beating us down.

The desert views and sunsets are magnificent and therapeutic. We were looking for a peaceful escape and we found the perfect oasis in the dessert, at Dove Mountain's luxury Resort. The hotel is stunningly beautiful surrounded by large and small Saguaro cacti, flowers and gorgeous swimming pools. We enjoyed the sound of the water fountain at the pool by day and the brilliant heavens by night!

Just at sunset, while enjoying one of our balcony's, music echoed throughout the canyons, as a native American Indian played his flute. The music was enchanting. Deep colored purple, blue and crimson light's in the resort pools made the atmosphere strikingly cozy and romantic. The Large torches and warm fire pits, set the mood for a beautiful evening at the Ritz with the love of my life. Such a wonderful, quiet, peaceful evening, it was perfect!

As Platinum Marriott Reward members we were upgraded to a large suite with a spectacular view of the resort. At Dove Mountain we found the courage and strength to persevere and endure the whirl of chaos we were challenged with. This truly is a place we will never forget. The natural beauty surrounding our eyes, inspired us to take a step back and enjoy the breathtaking splendor enabling us to rejuvenate our health, both mind and heart. Our time at Dove Mountain helped define our future. A hidden gem in the Sonoran desert became a precious jewel of healing and unforgettable memories for us. An oases in the desert.

wow. first of all, my condolences to you and your family. seems you have had your share of trauma. Secondly, what a beautify pictorial on not only the hotel property (Ritz Carlton/ Dove Mountain), but also the surrounding area. I had an eye on this property as a "maybe", now, thanks to your review, it has moved to the "must" column. Thank you!!!

You ,have touched many of is, if not all, with your heartwarming reflections and beautiful photos. Many of us, me included, take travel as a necessary evil, a means to an end, and when it becomes a therapeutic respite, we can rejoice in the moment and let our wounds heal. You speak for those of us who have lost loved ones, and the healing power that comes from reflection and that God is in fact in the details. Thank you for the excellent post and adding personal details to this wonderful experience.

We appreciate you sharing your personal journey with us, and your beautiful pictorial of this wonderful location. You have touched all of our souls in a wonderful way. Thank you, and may your father's presence always be with you in all your memories!

Congratulations musictomyears! I can only echo the same thoughts that everyone has already expressed, and thank you for sharing your trip and experience with us again. You won a tough competition with a lot of wonderful submissions to compete against. And congratulations to all the entries that put in some wonderful choices for us to choose from!

Dove Mountain, eh ... I never knew that there was such a spectacularly beautiful place! We haven't yet visited Arizona but it was on our bucket-list and, as with Shoeman, Marana has now been added as a 'must stay'. Your pictures are stunning.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. At such times, I always go back to Mary Stevenson's ... ' Footprints in the Sand'. It always makes me think on my Faith and understand that I am never alone.

Stayed here soon after it opened and have to say, having moved to Tucson in 1979 and then moved away in 1984, this location is reminicent of what the Arizona desert used to look like. A great facility and world class comfort. The views in the Dove Mountain area are among the best. You are away from the city, but not so fat that you cannot get there quickly. A wonderful resort. We spent a week there and it was not long enough.